Premium
Shipping lines redirecting to Mombasa port due to shutdown in Tanzania
Shipping containers at the Port of Mombasa.
Shipping lines have begun diverting their vessels to the Port of Mombasa following the shutdown of the Port of Dar es Salaam as a result of nationwide unrest after Tanzania's general elections.
The closure of Tanzania’s main port has created immediate disruptions across East African supply chains, affecting multiple commodity sectors and regional trade networks.
Friday’s extension of the port shutdown for an indefinite period, after public sector employees received instructions to work remotely for safety reasons, has affected cargo movement, with shippers warning of supply disruptions in the next few days.
“Most of the ships operate from Mombasa to Dar es Salaam. We expect ship diversions, which will see Mombasa experience an influx. The closure was unexpected, and this will affect cargo supply,” said Kenya Ships Agents Association CEO Elijah Mbaru.
The shutdown stemmed directly from nationwide civil unrest following Tanzania's general elections. Post-election tensions have affected multiple commodity categories beyond fertilisers, including petroleum products essential for domestic consumption and regional distribution to landlocked neighbouring countries.
Tanzania is in lockdown, with a communications blackout and violent chaos amid unconfirmed reports of many deaths following the general election on October 29.
Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) said that as of 18:00 hrs local time on October 29, the government had placed the country under an indefinite curfew, and there was a nationwide internet blackout.
Shippers Council of Eastern Africa CEO Agayo Ogambi said Mombasa is already facing an influx of ships, and the closure will complicate logistics in the region.
“Shippers are already reviewing their schedules, and we expect delays and congestion in Mombasa. I ask traders to follow closely communications from their shipping lines,” said Mr Ogambi.
He added, “Shippers are opting for alternative routes such as the Northern Corridor via Mombasa due to the uncertainty in Tanzania, leading to an increase in cargo at competing ports.”
Tanzanian authorities have asked citizens to work from home, with port workers remaining at home as they are unable to access email or report to offices due to the internet outage and curfew.
As of October 30–31, 2025, the Port of Dar es Salaam was officially closed to all operations, causing significant delays and affecting cargo movement.
The disruption is a direct result of widespread civil unrest, an indefinite curfew, and a nationwide internet outage in Tanzania following the general elections held on October 29, 2025.
There have been zero operations, with no cargo movement in or out of the port currently taking place.
Current and future shipments are experiencing delays, and some vessels are being diverted to other regional ports such as Mombasa.
The internet outage has also affected customs systems, slowing down the movement of cargo trucks at border points such as Lunga Lunga–Horo Horo.
The situation remains volatile, and operations will be affected until the unrest subsides and normal services resume.
Dar es Salaam serves as the primary maritime gateway for multiple landlocked nations, making its operational status crucial for regional economic stability. The facility handles the majority of Tanzania’s international trade while serving as a critical transit hub for neighbouring countries.
The port’s geographic position provides essential access to global markets for countries including Rwanda, Burundi, and the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
